TOPICS for XXXIV Cycle
1) Research topic: ROLE AND APPLICATION OF HORTICULTURAL THERAPY FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENT WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
1 (one) position reserved for high level training apprenticeship contract (funded by TICE Cooperativa Sociale)
Scientific tutor: Dr. Laura Arru
Horticultural Therapy (HT) is a professionally conducted client-centered therapy able to gradually improve health related issues of the users such as their physical, psychological, and social health through the taking care of flowers, vegetables and plants. The therapeutic benefits have been proved since ancient times and they relate to alleviate social, cognitive, physical and/or psychological distress. The multidisciplinary project will be carried out with the cooperation between Plant Physiologists and the people of the social cooperative TICE.
Required skills: MSc degree in Biology, Herbal Medicine, Natural Sciences, Agricultural Sciences or similar. Background and experience in plant cultivation, micropropagation, agricultural techniques; knowledge of plants and related life cycles together with a natural inclination to team work and a strong personal motivation.
2) Research topic: SEARCH FOR NEW AGRONOMIC TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING SEED YIELD AND QUALITY OF FIELD CROPS
1 (one) position reserved for industrial doctorate (employee of Pioneer Hi-Bred Italia Sementi S.r.l.)
Scientific tutor: Dr. Enrico Francia
Candidates should hold a MSc in Agricultural Sciences and demonstrate some experience in: organization and management of field trials, experimental activities related seed quality measurements, and agronomic production processes of field crops. Data processing, reporting and data presentation in an international context is also recommended.
3) Research topic: ANTIOXIDANTS IN LIVESTOCK DIET AND IN PROCESSING OF ANIMAL ORIGIN PRODUCTS
1 (one) position with grant
Scientific tutor: Prof. Domenico Pietro Lo Fiego; Co-tutor: Dr. Giovanna Minelli
The use of natural antioxidant substances from plant extracts in animal diet or during meat processing can contribute to improve the nutritional and health characteristics of derived food.
The proposed research project will address some aspects of the use of natural antioxidant substances as supplement in the animal diet and/or as additive during preparation of meat products. The main focus will be on their effect on products quality and oxidative stability, especially during thermal treatments and storage period.
Expected background of the ideal candidate: basic knowledge of animal production; basic knowledge of food quality and safety practices; experience in laboratory practice.
4) Research topic: PLANTS AS SOURCE OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS
1 (one) position with grant
Scientific tutor: Prof. Stefania Benvenuti
The secondary metabolites of plant origin play an important role in the research and development of new active compounds: they can, in fact, be used directly as drugs, as precursors for semi-synthesis processes and as leads for the development of new substances for human and animal health. In this context the proposed research for PhD program aims to select, starting from selected plants or drugs based on ethnopharmacological or chemo-taxonomic investigations, the best condition to extract enriched fractions of active metabolites to be screened in vitro for the evaluation of biological activity (mainly antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, antiproliferative). Based on the preliminary results, the research will be carried out to bioassay-guided fractionation: from the active fractions the components, chemically characterized, will be subjected to biological tests and to evaluation of the structure-activity correlations in order to identify the pharmacophore to be subjected to possible structural changes.
5) Research topic: STUDY ON THE CIRCULATION OF MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT BACTERIA (MDR) IN FOOD OF ANIMAL ORIGIN AND USE OF NATURAL ANTIMICROBIALS AGAINST BOTH SESSILE (BIOFILM) AND PLANKTONIC MDR/FOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS
1 (one) position with grant
Scientific tutor: Prof. Patrizia Messi: Co-tutor: Dr. Carla Sabia
Study on the circulation of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR), as vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and broad-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteria (ESBL and KPC) in food of animal origin and analysis of the genetic profile as evidence of the role of the food chain in human infections. Study of the antibacterial activity of natural antimicrobial substances (bacteriocins, spice extracts, essential oils, lysozyme, chitosan) against sessile (biofilm) or planktonic MDR and food-borne pathogens.
6) Research topic: IMPROVEMENT OF SEED QUALITY AND CONTROL OF SEED TRANSMITTED PATHOGENS
1 (one) position with grant (funded by CORA SEEDS S.r.l.)
Scientific tutor: Prof. Emilio Stefani; Co-tutor: Dr. Davide Giovanardi
Summary of research. Healthy seed are key to high crop yields, underpinning European and global food security. A range of pathogens are carried by seed: therefore, a set of diseases are spreading through contaminated or infected seeds. There are currently opportunities to improve seed quality by implementing methods and protocols for seed sanitation and treatment: most of them rely on the use of chemicals or physical treatments. Very little is currently known on the possible use of microbial bio-control agents to enhance the phytosanitary quality of seeds and, additionally, improve seed germination and quality of transplants. The research project focuses on: 1) search and select microbial agents to improve seed germination, viability and strength of seedlings; 2) search and identify beneficial microorganisms able to colonise the seedlings/plants endophytically and serve as growth promoters; 3) search and identify microbial agents able to colonise the rhizosphere making the plants more resistant to abiotic stress (salt, temperature and drought stress); 3) search and identify microbial agents suitable to control a set of bacterial and fungal soilborne diseases; 4) develop seed priming protocols for a few, selected vegetable crops to enhance quality of seedlings/transplants.
The prospective candidate should possess following skills: ability to work with microorganisms (isolation, identification, DNA-based technologies); have a good knowledge of seed biology and pathology (e.g. dormancy, germination, vigour, seed-borne and seed-transmitted diseases); able to design and follow field experiments, collecting field data and analyse them statistically; willingness to collaborate and visit research groups outside Italy. Additionally, the prospective candidate has excellent communication skills and happy to work in a team, also taking responsibility over graduate students. Ability to: write scientific reports, analyse data critically and prepare scientific manuscripts for publication will complete the candidate’s profile.
Expected background: Seed biology, Plant pathology, Applied microbiology, Molecular biology, Statistics.
7) Research topic: OMICS AND MOLECULAR TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES
1 (one) position with grant
Scientific tutor: Prof. Maddalena Rossi; Co-tutor: Dr. Lara Maistrello
The focus of this call is the analysis of composition and function of complex microbial communities, such as those associated to food matrices and to human gut. Major areas of the topic are microbiology and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques. The approaches aim to unveil the composition of microbiota but also to taxonomically and functionally characterize single strains. Omics technologies will applied to profile microbiome of different communities impacting on safety of novel foods such as insect-based ingredients, on spoilage of selected food matrices, or on biotransformations of health relevant compounds.
8) Research topic: GUT MICROBIOTA AND HEALTH: FROM THE OMIC APPROACH TO THE ROLE OF SINGLE STRAINS
1 (one) position with grant
Scientific tutor: Prof. Maddalena Rossi; Co-tutor: Dr. Stefano Raimondi
The focus of this call is the investigation of the functions of human gut microbiota. Major areas of the topic are microbiology, fermentation technology, omic and molecular techniques. The project aims to utilize omic techniques (such as metataxonomic analysis, metabolomics, WGS, etc) to study the composition of the gut microbiota and its interaction with endogenous and exogenous compounds that can affect health status. The physiology of single strains, isolated from the microbiota and /or selected as potential probiotics, will be investigated with the aim to improve the knowledge of the determinants of health and develop new intervention approaches.
9) Research topic: DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH-TECH BIOPOLYMERS AND INGREDIENTS FROM FOOD WASTE TO IMPROVE FOOD SAFETY
1 (one) position with grant
Scientific tutor: Prof. Andrea Pulvirenti
Development of new materials with a high technological content, which can convey natural antimicrobial to improve the shelf life of foods. The way in which the food industry is moving towards a more environmental friendly and sustainable products is worldwide known. This position has the aim to focus on active and innovative compounds derived from food waste matrixes to be included in food packaging. Specifically, the Ph.D. Student will focus on the study of the most recent technologies to extract and apply the valuable molecules still present in the waste that the industries produce.
The candidate must have knowledge of microbiology and food hygiene and have a basic experience of biodegradable polymers
10) Research topic: DEVELOPMENT OF NEW ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR DETERMINATION OF KNOWN AND UNKNOWN TOXIC AGENTS IN FOOD CHAIN
1 (one) position without grant
Scientific tutor: Prof. Andrea Pulvirenti
Qualitative and quantitative determination of chemical toxic contaminants which may be present in food. Development and validation of analytical methods. Collection of occurrence data of these contaminants.
Possible research lines
1) masked mycotoxins and their metabolites
2) algal biotoxins and new transmission vectors in food chain
3) process contaminants (acrylamide, etc)
11) Research topic: EVALUATION OF NEW TRANSMISSION VECTORS OF BIOTOXINS IN FOOD CHAIN
1 (one) position without grant
Scientific tutor: Prof. Andrea Pulvirenti
Qualitative and quantitative determination of biotoxin contaminants which may be present in different food species. Development and validation of analytical methods. Collection of occurrence data of these contaminants.
Possible research lines
1) masked mycotoxins and their metabolites
2) algal biotoxins and new transmission vectors in food chain
12) Research topic: CIRCULAR ECONOMY APPLIED TO THE AGRIFOOD INDUSTRY
1 (one) position without grant
Scientific tutor: Prof. Andrea Antonelli; Co-tutor: Dr. Giuseppe Montevecchi
Circular economy is a new approach to the economy-environment pairing that has the potential of a revolution in the history of economic development models, comprising an integral approach to a resource efficient future, necessitating cooperation of all stakeholders along the value chain.
New technologies, innovative industrial processes and different markets should be developed to seize the opportunity that the Circular Economy paradigm provides.
The main objective of the proposed PhD Curriculum is to develop a highly specialized and innovative training program focused on an interdisciplinary approach to Circular Economy in research, policy and business. It aims to train professional profiles with technical and economic expertise, especially in re-design of biotechnological processes, preservation of natural resources, zero waste solutions and use of renewable sources applied to agrifood sector.
The main aims of this research can be summarised as follows:
• study of best available technologies, supply chain models and management;
• study of Circular business model design e.g. through research and advisory services
• study of Development of product-service roadmaps
• study and assessment of socio-economic and environmental aspects
Required skills: preference will give to the candidates with experience in Research and Development policies and models in the field of BioBased Industries and Circular Economy. Good skills in English and in team-working are highly valued, as well. It is also mandatory the availability to spend a period in a European/American lab to refine skills useful for the research project.
13) Research topic: Traceability systems for animal and plant food supply chains based on blockchain technologies
1 (one) position with grant funded by Regione Emilia Romagna “Progetti di formazione alla ricerca”
Scientific tutor: Prof. Mauro Mandrioli; Co-tutor: Prof. Michele Colajanni
Summary of research:
Agrifood supply chains have been extensively studied in the last years and many researchers are now considering the application of advanced technologies in supply-chain-management. The technological developments in the areas of networking devices, sensors and communication technology can play a significant role in sustainability of animal products. In particular, the blockchain and related technologies have drawn considerable attention for their disruptive applications in many different domains.
The proposed research project will focus on the design, development, testing and evaluation of traceability systems for food supply chains based on blockchain technology. The initial experimental scenarios will be on pork and tomato supply chains with the goal of testing the applicability of blockchain related technologies and whether and how they can improve the traceability of food stuffs. The overall goal of the research is to identify the most convenient and secure platforms and protocols for traceability based on blockchain modules.
Expected background of the ideal candidate
This is a cross-domain research project, hence we are interested to two profiles of candidates:
• ICT-based, with knowledge on design and management of Internet-based applications, and data protection protocols;
• Biotech-based, with knowledge on food chains and interests to learn crypto and blockchain protocols.